Roxymama's 5k to Marathon, Time to Collect Another Castle

[roxymama]

Regarding the scale, I do not own one personally (LOL) but use my parents when I go to their house weekly for dinner. I think the thing is possessed because in fluctuates around 12 pounds up and down week to week. I mean I ate a lot of popcorn and Mickey bars this weekend, but not 12 pounds worth! I have no tips, because this thing is reading wrong in the same spot each week. I prefer the one at my gym that's the old school doctor office one, it seems to be more accurate because they calibrate it.

Great job this week, and I am cracking up over the short and sweet update comment, I struggle with that as well!

Maybe I will see if the gym has one. It's a good idea because I am there often anyways.
I guess the biggest thing is the changing my bad habits and being conscious of my eating decisions. The number is just a number. I'm gonna try not to get hung up on it exactly. It just sucks to see a 4-5 lbs swing in the wrong direction and frankly alarming in the good-direction too.

How's that for a short reply?

 

[GollyGadget]

Just catching up after holiday and vacation madness. Great job with your workouts! I totally agree that 400s are fine but 800s are real talk. Honestly, I prefer to stick with 100 or 200.

I've been weighing myself daily for over a year now. Mostly just as a check point, I don't obsess over the daily numbers. It just helps me see the trends. I previously used the Happy Scale app and really liked it because it would focus on rolling averages rather than one bad weigh in.

It is important to weigh yourself at the same time time of day in the same spot or the scale will vary a lot. Personally, I've found that in the morning while getting dressed for work is the best time; it eliminates any fluctuations due to different clothing or meals. Even though I weigh myself daily, I find the Wednesday number to be the most accurate since it's right in the middle of the week.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

Waiting impatiently for race recaps

AHH! Me too!! I can't wait to read #alltherecaps.

I guess my goal is just to go hard and I believe I can push myself for 3.1 miles – and to just see what happens? I know where my fitness was during my 10k last year but that was after A LOT of training. So I’ll be happy with myself if I just TRY and not have any “give-ups” or “hold back” moments.

Good luck and have fun!! Cheering for you!

My scale may need new batteries as it is a nice one that was a bit spendy that hubby has been using for a while now. Any scale users with tips on how to keep accurate readouts so you can trust the numbers? Do you gotta go with the exact same spot on the floor at the exact same time of day?

A few opinions on this... I do think it's realistic for some people to swing 5lbs on the scale in 1 day... but it's important to remember you are not "gaining 5lbs of fat" in 1 day when it happens.
Were you slightly dehydrated the day before and extra hydrated the next day? Eat extra salty foods (this is big for me... if I eat pizza, regardless of if it's in my calories "limit," I always weight heavy the next day)? Run hard? (I often weigh heavier the morning after a long or hard run and then less 2 days after.) I think the most accurate thing is to weigh yourself at the same time every day in a similar setting (ie always before your first meal) and look at overall trends, not daily fluctuations.

Or maybe... you just need to change the batteries.

 

[Sailormoon2]

bit of a cookie and chocolate and Diet Coke and coffee bender

This is exactly what I need for dinner. Thanks.

The next day I was 164 again. But why?

Because body weight fluctuates hugely all day long! And in fact salt, hydration (or lack thereof) can have an even greater impact on day to day fluctuations than the actually calories consumed on a day to day basis. So, it is really important to look at overall averages rather than daily numbers. Just to keep you sane.

 

[KSellers88]

Maybe I will see if the gym has one. It's a good idea because I am there often anyways.
I guess the biggest thing is the changing my bad habits and being conscious of my eating decisions. The number is just a number. I'm gonna try not to get hung up on it exactly. It just sucks to see a 4-5 lbs swing in the wrong direction and frankly alarming in the good-direction too.

How's that for a short reply?

LOL, it's perfect!

 

[jennamfeo]

Seeing everyone’s reports of expo madness and early wakeups and Flu bugs, etc makes me want to hard nope the Disney marathon weekend.

So. Much. This.

As for the scale, I have some fancy wifi one and our bathroom is so small that I have to keep it upright for storage. In doing so, when I put it down it is 3.6 lbs up, so I have to zero it out before I step on. But like others have said, fluctuation is a thing.

 

[roxymama]

Just catching up after holiday and vacation madness. Great job with your workouts! I totally agree that 400s are fine but 800s are real talk. Honestly, I prefer to stick with 100 or 200.

I've been weighing myself daily for over a year now. Mostly just as a check point, I don't obsess over the daily numbers. It just helps me see the trends. I previously used the Happy Scale app and really liked it because it would focus on rolling averages rather than one bad weigh in.

It is important to weigh yourself at the same time time of day in the same spot or the scale will vary a lot. Personally, I've found that in the morning while getting dressed for work is the best time; it eliminates any fluctuations due to different clothing or meals. Even though I weigh myself daily, I find the Wednesday number to be the most accurate since it's right in the middle of the week.

Well today is Wednesday and today I got a good number. So because of that, I agree with you
I'll change my mind if next Wed is sucky (j/k)

AHH! Me too!! I can't wait to read #alltherecaps.


Good luck and have fun!! Cheering for you!



A few opinions on this... I do think it's realistic for some people to swing 5lbs on the scale in 1 day... but it's important to remember you are not "gaining 5lbs of fat" in 1 day when it happens.
Were you slightly dehydrated the day before and extra hydrated the next day? Eat extra salty foods (this is big for me... if I eat pizza, regardless of if it's in my calories "limit," I always weight heavy the next day)? Run hard? (I often weigh heavier the morning after a long or hard run and then less 2 days after.) I think the most accurate thing is to weigh yourself at the same time every day in a similar setting (ie always before your first meal) and look at overall trends, not daily fluctuations.

Or maybe... you just need to change the batteries.

I'm a mom...I tell my kiddo that we need to change the batteries on just about everything she owns...but I hardly ever do.
Yeah I'm thinking before I shower every morning seems about right. With the scale being the bathroom and all. And it's prior to me eating my breakfast/coffee etc. At least my app has a spot to put it in and it has GRAPHS!!!!

This is exactly what I need for dinner. Thanks.


Because body weight fluctuates hugely all day long! And in fact salt, hydration (or lack thereof) can have an even greater impact on day to day fluctuations than the actually calories consumed on a day to day basis. So, it is really important to look at overall averages rather than daily numbers. Just to keep you sane.

Cookies + diet coke = the perfect meal

I like being sane so I think I will be taking all your advise to not get caught up in daily changes and just track the number and move on to the next.

LOL, it's perfect!

Great

So. Much. This.

As for the scale, I have some fancy wifi one and our bathroom is so small that I have to keep it upright for storage. In doing so, when I put it down it is 3.6 lbs up, so I have to zero it out before I step on. But like others have said, fluctuation is a thing.

Oooooh, let me check if mine is similar. We do the same thing...Tuck it away and pull it out to a spot where my body can actually fit.

I'm glad I asked y'all. It's weird that I'm almost 37 and such a scale-newbie but I've just been avoiding it for the better part of a decade.

 

[michigandergirl]

Seeing everyone’s reports of expo madness and early wakeups and Flu bugs, etc makes me want to hard nope the Disney marathon weekend.

BUT, you must do Dopey at least once!!! When you're ready, of course...no pressure. Trust me, you will not regret it.

Seriously, it was hands down the most amazing experience!!!

 

[roxymama]

BUT, you must do Dopey at least once!!! When you're ready, of course...no pressure. Trust me, you will not regret it.

Seriously, it was hands down the most amazing experience!!!

Never say never, right? It's weird that the race distances (at least in my head right now) don't scare me so much because I know I can take whatever race I want easy...it's more the deciding the time is right for another extended disney vacation + all the early mornings + how that affects the vacation + who would be with me + how that affects who is at home + all that kind of stuff.
I hope that makes sense.

The WDW full is on my life bucket list for a reason. So whether I do it in conjunction with a Dopey or with some other set of races AND when...I'm still kind of ?????

Suspense right?

Also, thanks everyone for believing in me that I could. One day if I decide to do it, at least it won't be lots of people saying "OMG DON"T DO THAT!"

 

[rteetz]

Never say never, right? It's weird that the race distances (at least in my head right now) don't scare me so much because I know I can take whatever race I want easy...it's more the deciding the time is right for another extended disney vacation + all the early mornings + how that affects the vacation + who would be with me + how that affects who is at home + all that kind of stuff.
I hope that makes sense.

The WDW full is on my life bucket list for a reason. So whether I do it in conjunction with a Dopey or with some other set of races AND when...I'm still kind of ?????

Suspense right?

Also, thanks everyone for believing in me that I could. One day if I decide to at least it will be lots of people not saying "OMG DON"T DO THAT!"

The race distances are definitely not as bad as many think. The waking up and going to bed early is what kills. It's not easy but that's why it is a challenge.

You totally can do it but I also totally understand the planning.

Just save that April registration date on the calendar

 

[roxymama]

The race distances are definitely not as bad as many think. The waking up and going to bed early is what kills. It's not easy but that's why it is a challenge.

You totally can do it but I also totally understand the planning.

Just save that April registration date on the calendar

If I ever make a decision I'll let you know first so you can post it on the rumors/news thread

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

The hardest part of Dopey is being at WDW and not closing the place down 4 nights in a row.

 

[roxymama]

The hardest part of Dopey is being at WDW and not closing the place down 4 nights in a row.

Omg this!!!!
After my first half I closed down disneyland just off of pure adrenaline!

 

[Ariel484]

Never say never, right? It's weird that the race distances (at least in my head right now) don't scare me so much because I know I can take whatever race I want easy...it's more the deciding the time is right for another extended disney vacation + all the early mornings + how that affects the vacation + who would be with me + how that affects who is at home + all that kind of stuff.
I hope that makes sense.

The WDW full is on my life bucket list for a reason. So whether I do it in conjunction with a Dopey or with some other set of races AND when...I'm still kind of ?????

Suspense right?

Also, thanks everyone for believing in me that I could. One day if I decide to do it, at least it won't be lots of people saying "OMG DON"T DO THAT!"

Okay so I'm gonna be no fun...here comes the opposite of peer pressure, not sure what one would call that...

Dopey isn't the end-all, be-all. You have the wake-ups, the cumulative time on your feet leading up to the marathon, the $$$ factor, extra days taken off to get down there early, etc. I said this elsewhere but if/when I go back for marathon weekend I would do the 10K + marathon (my 2 favorite courses of the weekend, plus my 2 favorite characters as the themes).

The marathon is by far the best course so realistically if you can't do the 4 races (and I think the considerations you have listed above are valid and thoughtful on your part), that's a great bucket list item. 4 parks during one race is an experience you'll never forget. And, I mean...Mickey medal. Everyone needs a Mickey medal.

 

[rteetz]

If I ever make a decision I'll let you know first so you can post it on the rumors/news thread

Yes I get the exclusive intel!

 

[rteetz]

Okay so I'm gonna be no fun...here comes the opposite of peer pressure, not sure what one would call that...

Dopey isn't the end-all, be-all. You have the wake-ups, the cumulative time on your feet leading up to the marathon, the $$$ factor, extra days taken off to get down there early, etc. I said this elsewhere but if/when I go back for marathon weekend I would do the 10K + marathon (my 2 favorite courses of the weekend, plus my 2 favorite characters as the themes).

The marathon is by far the best course so realistically if you can't do the 4 races (and I think the considerations you have listed above are valid and thoughtful on your part), that's a great bucket list item. 4 parks during one race is an experience you'll never forget. And, I mean...Mickey medal. Everyone needs a Mickey medal.

After doing Dopey twice* now I would agree with this. The marathon course is my favorite and the medal usually is pretty great.

That being said I will do Dopey again at some point just not sure it will be next year.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

Okay so I'm gonna be no fun...here comes the opposite of peer pressure, not sure what one would call that...

Dopey isn't the end-all, be-all. You have the wake-ups, the cumulative time on your feet leading up to the marathon, the $$$ factor, extra days taken off to get down there early, etc. I said this elsewhere but if/when I go back for marathon weekend I would do the 10K + marathon (my 2 favorite courses of the weekend, plus my 2 favorite characters as the themes).

The marathon is by far the best course so realistically if you can't do the 4 races (and I think the considerations you have listed above are valid and thoughtful on your part), that's a great bucket list item. 4 parks during one race is an experience you'll never forget. And, I mean...Mickey medal. Everyone needs a Mickey medal.

I agree to be honest. The only reason I would really do Dopey again is because I did the 2017 almost-Dopey and I would like to complete the entire thing (even though I did do an unofficial Old Key West/Saratoga Springs half marathon on the Saturday). Honestly I would just as soon do the Goofy...the challenge is pretty comparable to Dopey at a fraction of the cost, especially considering the extra cost that goes into Dopey with meals, accommodations etc.

BUT...everyone should try Dopey at least once

 

[run.minnie.miles]

Okay so I'm gonna be no fun...here comes the opposite of peer pressure, not sure what one would call that...

Dopey isn't the end-all, be-all. You have the wake-ups, the cumulative time on your feet leading up to the marathon, the $$$ factor, extra days taken off to get down there early, etc. I said this elsewhere but if/when I go back for marathon weekend I would do the 10K + marathon (my 2 favorite courses of the weekend, plus my 2 favorite characters as the themes).

The marathon is by far the best course so realistically if you can't do the 4 races (and I think the considerations you have listed above are valid and thoughtful on your part), that's a great bucket list item. 4 parks during one race is an experience you'll never forget. And, I mean...Mickey medal. Everyone needs a Mickey medal.

I wish there was a "love" button for this. I am contemplating the marathon next year and sometimes feel like if I don't do Dopey, it's not enough. But honestly, the 4 days of races just doesn't appeal to me for a vacation. Thank you for the reminder.

 

[Ariel484]

I agree to be honest. The only reason I would really do Dopey again is because I did the 2017 almost-Dopey and I would like to complete the entire thing (even though I did do an unofficial Old Key West/Saratoga Springs half marathon on the Saturday). Honestly I would just as soon do the Goofy...the challenge is pretty comparable to Dopey at a fraction of the cost, especially considering the extra cost that goes into Dopey with meals, accommodations etc.

BUT...everyone should try Dopey at least once

Okay see, THAT I get - I totally get why people who didn't get to finish it last year would want to come back and do it again. The "unfinished business" angle makes sense to me.

I wish there was a "love" button for this. I am contemplating the marathon next year and sometimes feel like if I don't do Dopey, it's not enough. But honestly, the 4 days of races just doesn't appeal to me for a vacation. Thank you for the reminder.

That really bothers me that people are made to feel that way - it would be your first marathon, right? Training for and completing any of these events is a big deal.

Dopey gets the most attention (look at this board - it's the only event right now with its own thread), but the preparation (at least for me) wasn't that much different than the training I did for my first marathon in 2012. Same training plan, just threw in more back-to-back runs. I'm proud of myself for doing Dopey but for me, completing my first marathon (something that I never ever thought I would do) is still my biggest running accomplishment.

And Dopey is NOT a vacation - it is work. The one true Dopey I did was a weekend where my BFFs were also in Disney, and I kept having to check out of things because I needed to go back to the room to rest/nap/go to bed early. It was the right decision, because I made it through all 4 days and didn't die, but it was hard to know that I was missing out on so much. Truly that, the training (which, again, not much different than marathon training) and those 4 awful wake-ups in a row, were the hardest things about it.

 

[jennamfeo]

I wish there was a "love" button for this. I am contemplating the marathon next year and sometimes feel like if I don't do Dopey, it's not enough. But honestly, the 4 days of races just doesn't appeal to me for a vacation. Thank you for the reminder.

And this is why I am planning on not making my Dopey trip a vacation. A) It's too dang expensive for me to buy the race, fly across the country, book a hotel, go to the parks, make costumes, eat food, drink booze every time. B) During other race weekends when I am only doing two races, I still close the parks down because I am trying to do the best of both worlds. C) I wanna finish Dopey and feel good about it. So my plan is to make my Dopey weekend a relaxing race weekend.